DMX ARRESTED...AGAIN AFTER RAID

DMX was arrested on drug and animal cruelty charges following an overnight raid on the rapper's house, authorities said Friday.

The 37-year-old rapper, whose given name is Earl Simmons, initially tried to barricade himself in his bedroom but emerged when a SWAT team entered his Phoenix home during the 3 a.m. raid yesterday, police said.

The arrest and search warrants stemmed from indictments for felony drug possession and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges. He made an initial court appearance where bail was set at $7,500.

The raid was organized after an August search of the rapper's home. At the time, detectives seized 12 pit bulls, dug up remains of three others and found marijuana. During yesterday's raid, officials said, more drugs and weapons were found. Additional charges were possible.